GEORGE NEWS - After a number of recent non-fatal drowning incidents in the Garden Route, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) appeals to the public to put safety first in all water activities, both coastal and inland, be it bathing, hiking, sailing, paddling, fishing or boating.
Beachgoers are asked to only swim at beaches protected by lifeguards and to swim only in the safer swimming areas designated by the lifeguards.
"We are asking parents and children, with our hearts in our throat, to have responsible adult supervision for children when they are in and around water and don't be distracted – watch over the children," said NSRI spokesperson Craig Lambinon.
It is always tempting to take the plunge when temperatures soar and you're in the holiday spirit. And, while we wish you a wonderful time with family and friends this season, we also urge you to adopt a safety mindset when out and about near water.
The NSRI, lifeguards, police and emergency services are on high alert and all are making the urgent appeal: First and foremost, be safe.
Water-safety tips
- If you do get caught in a rip current, try to stay calm. The current will not pull you underwater, it's going to pull you away from the shore. Try to float, and don't attempt to swim against it back to shore as this will tire you out. Swim out of the rip, parallel to the shore, and then follow the breaking waves back to shore at an angle.
- Swim at beaches where and when lifeguards are on duty.
- Swim between the lifeguard flags.
- Don't drink alcohol and then swim.
- Don't swim alone. Always swim with a buddy.
- Always supervise your children.
- If you see someone in difficulty, alert a lifeguard at once. If possible, throw something that floats, like a NSRI pink buoy, to the person. Then call the emergency number 112 from your cellphone. The NSRI's emergency operations centre can be reached on 087 094 9774.
- Avoid taking tubes and pool inflatables to the beach or dam.
- Learn how to perform CPR.
- Check the wind, weather and tides before going to the beach, fishing or boating.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you are due back.
- Never turn your back on the sea when climbing on or fishing from rocks.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
